The Free State of Oregon is a state of the United States, composed of most of northern and central pre-Doomsday Oregon. It also claims all of the former state of Oregon not controlled by the Republic of Astoria.

Contents

History

Pre-Free State

Post-Free State

Following the Beaverton Compact, with no legitimate government and only a tenuous hold on the majority of Oregon, the ODC leadership met in Salem to begin drafting a new constitution. It would largely be based on the Oregon constitution but amending the state boundaries, and altering the division of government. Centralizing the powers of the head of state and head of government into a single office was no longer desirable, so they created the position of Consul, based on the old Roman senate position. The Consul would be appointed by the members of the senate by majority vote, while the President would be elected by majority vote by the people and act as head of state. The state seal was altered to show "Free State of Oregon" keeping the previous establishment date because of the state's claim to be the successor of the State of Oregon. A new flag was chosen, with the bands of green and white representing the lush landscape of Oregon and the purity of Democracy, with the blue being the old state flag color, with the seal of Oregon in the center. Grant Cole was chosen to be the interim President until elections could be held, and the Oregon Democracy Coalition was established as a political party.

With some of the essential organization issues dealt with, officials began attempting reconstruction efforts and attempts to keep order. Many ODC members were drafted into a national militia in order to maintain order while local police forces and a national military was established. President Grant also decided that it was time to end the isolationist policies of the old government and begin to explore. With Portland and Astoria out of their hands, and new port was needed to establish trade and communication overseas and along the coast. Newport was chosen for this role and a bill was passed beginning infrastructure investment in the city. Reconstruction efforts unfortunately took the forefront to the Newport expansion, which wouldn't begin in earnest until late 2009.

Current Status

Oregon is currently focusing on reconstruction and has made contact with the Municipal States of the Pacific, Commonwealth of Victoria, Cascadia, and Pasco Free State. Relations are tense with the MCP and Cascadia due to their occupation of territory Oregon claims. The expansion efforts on Newport have begun, but construction of a deep water port facility has been put on hold until engineers and materials can be imported for the task. The remains of the Oregon Army National Guard that stayed within Oregon have been converted into an Oregon Defense Force, its members being put into full time duty as a standing army. Efforts are underway to obtain the service of Victorian military personnel to aid in the training of new troops as the expertise of the national guard members is limited. The first elections were held in November of 2008 resulting in a mostly ODC Senate and Grant Cole as president.

As the mainland United States has encouraged increased cooperation with the Caribbean-based United States Atlantic Remnant in recent years, the Remnant's government and private ciizens have invested into both a joint Naval outpost at Waldport as well as into private enterprise within the state and others in the United States.

Statehood

In 2012, the Oregon government and the United States government began negotiations regarding statehood. President Grant Cole stated that the relationship would be of mutual advantage, as Oregon could use the NAU aid to help rebuilding and the US badly needed a port if it was to merge with the Atlantic Remnant. Oregon became the 12th state of the United States on August 14th, 2012. Similar to the two "Hunkins" states, Oregon continues to operate with greater autonomy than other states, which is why the name Free State of Oregon was kept.

Government

Organization

The government of Oregon is a semi-presidential system within the United States government. Executive powers are split between a Senate appointed Consul, and a popularly elected Governor. The Governor is responsible for state policy and defense, can introduce legislation to the Senate.

Oregon Capitol building in Salem.

The Consul is responsible for domestic policy and acts as speaker of the house. The Senate is split into the Lower and Upper benches, both holding equal power within the Senate, but with staggered election dates. Term limits for Governor, Consul, and Senators are 4 years, but elections are staggered. The Governor is elected alongside the lower bench of the Senate, while the Consul is appointed once the upper bench is elected.

Politics

There are currently three major political parties registered in Oregon.

Oregon Democracy Coalition - The rebel group that ousted the former governor from power and brought democracy back to Oregon. Being a coalition of all, it is a centrist party with aims to increase direct-democracy in the now-state. The party has branched out into other states in recent years, especially in the more urbanized states or those discontent with the Republican near-monopoly in the Federal government.

Democratic Party - A continuation of the pre-Doomsday Democrats.

Republican Party - A continuation of the pre-Doomsday Republicans.

Economy

Agriculture remains the major industry of Oregon, although since Newport Harbor has been completed an increasing amount of diversification has occurred in the economy, namely in the lumber exporting business as well as in brewing and textiles. Exporting to the outside world has been growing at a somewhat slow but steady pace, although this is to be expected from a region just now re-entering the global economy.